Payroll software automates the management of employee remuneration, including payroll processing, tax deductions, and benefit management. By optimizing these processes, firms may decrease errors, save time, and increase efficiency. Payroll software helps businesses in Singapore comply with tight tax and labor standards. According to Singapore Business Review, 40% of businesses find AI and automation in payroll processing “extremely appealing,” and over the next year, 70% of payroll providers expect increased use of AI and automation, though the impact will vary.
This article discusses various payroll software packages, emphasizing their essential features, benefits, and applicability for varied corporate requirements. We will look at key criteria for picking the proper system and provide insights into the leading systems on the market. Continue reading to find out how you select the best payroll software for streamlining operations and maintaining compliance.

- Payroll software is a comprehensive solution that automates and simplifies the complex process of handling employee compensation.
- Payroll software provides numerous benefits, such as improving efficiency, accuracy, compliance, cost savings, and security in payroll management.
- Best payroll software includes: ScaleOcean, Gusto, Rippling, Onpay, and Deel, each offering unique features tailored to businesses of different sizes and needs.
- When choosing payroll software, consider the good criteria such as ease of use, customization, integration capabilities, compliance features, support for multiple companies, security, and scalability.

What is Payroll Software?
Payroll software is a complete solution that automates and simplifies the complex process of handling employee compensation. It integrates multiple components, such as calculating employee wages, tax deductions, benefits, and statutory contributions, to ensure that all payroll-related operations are completed quickly. This form of software decreases the manual burden involved in payroll processing, lowering the chance of human error and improving overall accuracy. It also guarantees that firms stay compliant with ever-changing tax rules and labor requirements, making it a valuable resource for enterprises of all sizes.
In addition to fundamental payroll activities, payroll software includes capabilities like tax filing, payslip production, and employee record management. It can also automate leave management and employee onboarding, making it a flexible solution for human resource departments. Payroll software automates these activities, saving critical time while also improving overall payroll process efficiency. This enables firms to focus on strategic activities while ensuring that their payroll is handled correctly and in accordance with all regulatory standards.
Also Read: What is Payslip, How It Works, and ScaleOcean Samples
Benefits of Payroll Software
Payroll software provides numerous benefits that can dramatically improve the efficiency, accuracy, and general management of payroll procedures inside a business. By automating multiple procedures, it reduces manual work and guarantees that operations run smoothly and without errors. Let’s look at some of the important benefits that payroll software provides to businesses:
1. Efficiency
Payroll software automates repetitive activities, allowing businesses to process payroll efficiently and without delay. With the integration of an HRIS system, payroll can be done much faster than before, as critical functions such as computations and report production have been automated. This efficiency not only saves time but also helps HR staff focus on other critical responsibilities, such as timesheet management, resulting in increased overall productivity.
2. Compliance
Payroll software keeps your company compliant with ever-changing labor rules and tax requirements. Many systems are set up to automatically update with changes in tax rates, deduction rules, and statutory benefits. This guarantees that employers avoid costly penalties for noncompliance, and that employees receive the appropriate benefits and deductions under local legislation.
3. Accuracy
Payroll software improves payroll processing accuracy significantly by including built-in tools for tax computations, benefit administration, and deductions. By eliminating the need for human computations, it reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures that employees are paid correctly. This leads to increased employee satisfaction as wage disparities are addressed.
4. Cost Savings
Automating payroll operations with software can result in significant cost savings for firms. With less reliance on human labor, businesses can reduce the need for big payroll teams, decreasing administrative costs. Furthermore, the time saved by processing payroll can be reinvested in more vital areas of the firm, increasing overall financial efficiency.
5. Security
Payroll software improves data security by protecting sensitive employee information such as salaries, tax returns, and bank account numbers. According to HRM Asia, while the outlook for payroll automation is positive, challenges remain, with 35% of businesses citing payroll errors and concerns about data security and privacy. Modern payroll systems address these issues with strong encryption and secure access procedures to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring both employee privacy and financial stability.
How Payroll Software Works
Payroll software combines several critical components, including employee attendance, tax codes, benefits, and salary, into a single, simplified system. This interface enables the software to automatically calculate gross pay based on work hours or wage agreements, while accounting for varied pay structures. It then calculates the appropriate deductions, such as taxes, perks, and insurance premiums, to determine the net pay. By automating these procedures, the software ensures that the payroll process is speedy and accurate, removing the need for manual calculations and reducing errors.
Payroll software also serves an important role in ensuring compliance with local labor rules. It computes and applies statutory deductions, such as contributions to social security, pension funds, and other government-mandated programs. This guarantees that firms are up to date on ever-changing legislation, lowering the chance of penalties or legal complications. Furthermore, the program can generate pay stubs and other pertinent reports, making it easier for businesses to give employees transparent and accurate compensation information.
Also Read: Days Payable Outstanding Formula: Definition and Factor
12 Recommended Payroll Software
Choosing the correct payroll software for your organization can help to speed payroll procedures, enhance accuracy, and assure compliance with local rules. The following is a list of recommended payroll software solutions, each tailored to unique needs for organizations of varying sizes and industries. These software solutions include a variety of capabilities that can automate activities, increase efficiency, and help manage employee compensation effectively.
1. ScaleOcean Payroll Software
Best for businesses seeking an all-in-one ERP solution, ScaleOcean automates payroll along with other business processes like HR and accounting. It is ideal for companies of all sizes, offering smooth connectivity, accurate payroll processing, and data security, while also supporting growth. Its user-friendly interface and automation features make operations more efficient, allowing businesses to focus on strategic goals.
ScaleOcean enhances payroll and operations across departments with unlimited user access and customizable options. The software integrates well with existing systems, improving data flow between functions. Businesses can experience its benefits through a free demo, simplifying payroll and other core functions. Singapore-based enterprises can also leverage the CTC grant to reduce ERP implementation costs.
Key Features
- Automated Payroll Processing, ScaleOcean automated payroll calculations, ensuring that salaries are paid correctly and on schedule, reducing manual errors and saving time for HR departments.
- Payroll Reporting, This tool enables organizations to create complete payroll reports for analysis and compliance, providing transparency and ease of use.
- Data Security, ScaleOcean uses extensive security methods to safeguard sensitive payroll and employee information, assuring complete compliance with data protection standards.
- Payroll Auditing and Error Reporting, ScaleOcean’s built-in auditing and error-reporting capabilities enable organizations to spot inconsistencies and address payroll concerns before they become problems.
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2. Gusto
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll software that simplifies payroll management for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a variety of features to handle payroll, benefits, tax filing, and HR management all in one platform. Gusto is ideal for companies that need an easy-to-use payroll solution with additional HR features, such as hiring and onboarding. It’s especially well-suited for businesses looking for a fully integrated solution to manage both payroll and employee benefits efficiently.
Key Features
- Automated payroll processing
- Benefits management
- Tax filing and compliance
- Employee self-service portal
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3. Rippling
Rippling is a comprehensive human resources and payroll software system that smoothly connects payroll processing with personnel management activities. It is intended to simplify not only payroll, but also benefits administration, time tracking, and HR compliance. Rippling is great for firms that require a unified platform to manage a wide range of employee-related functions, including onboarding, benefits, payroll, and more.
Key Features
- Payroll processing automation
- Benefits management
- Employee data management
- Time and attendance tracking
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4. Onpay HR Software
Onpay is a user-friendly payroll software for small to medium-sized enterprises that includes faster payroll processing and critical HR functions. It is especially useful for businesses searching for an economical, user-friendly solution that automates payroll computations and tax filings, saving them time. Onpay is suitable for organizations that require dependable payroll processing without complicated features or a lengthy learning curve. For businesses looking for a comprehensive solution, pairing Onpay with advanced HR software in Singapore can help streamline all HR and payroll operations effectively.
Key Features
- Payroll management
- Tax filing automation
- Employee self-service portal
- Customizable reports
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5. Deel
Deel is a worldwide payroll software that simplifies payroll management for remote teams and foreign employees. It provides a seamless solution for enterprises with a scattered workforce, allowing them to handle payments, contracts, and compliance across many nations. Deel allows businesses to quickly pay employees and contractors in several currencies while following local tax rules and regulations. It’s ideal for businesses who operate abroad or have remote workers and need flexible payroll solutions and compliance management.
Key Features
- Global payroll processing
- Contractor payments and management
- Compliance with local tax laws
- Automated contract generation
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6. Paycor Payroll System
Paycor provides a comprehensive payroll software system that addresses payroll processing, tax compliance, and employee self-service. It is great for organizations of all sizes, especially those looking for a reliable solution to manage employee payroll, track time, and simplify tax filing. Paycor stands out for its emphasis on offering accurate payroll management while smoothly integrating HR and time monitoring capabilities.
Key Features
- Payroll processing
- Tax compliance automation
- Time tracking and scheduling
- Employee self-service portal
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7. Paychex HR Software
Paychex offers a comprehensive payroll solution for organizations of all sizes, with an emphasis on ease of use and automation. It enables businesses to manage payroll processing, tax filings, and employee benefits while adhering to federal and state requirements. Paychex is an excellent choice for firms searching for scalable payroll software that interacts seamlessly with HR processes and provides advanced reporting features.
Key Features
- Payroll processing and automation
- Tax filing and compliance management
- HR and benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
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8. Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll is a simple yet effective payroll solution for small businesses. It focuses on automating payroll procedures, tax calculations, and ensuring compliance with local tax laws. Wave Payroll is ideal for businesses seeking an economical, user-friendly payroll solution that can be readily integrated with other Wave accounting products. Wave Payroll’s user-friendly design and easy features help small businesses save time and decrease administrative errors in payroll handling.
Key Features
- Payroll automation for new employees
- Integration with leave and expense claims
- Employee data transfer capabilities
- Easy payroll setup
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9. Paylocity Payroll Software
Paylocity is a comprehensive payroll software system that simplifies payroll processing, HR chores, and benefits management for businesses of all sizes. Paylocity’s robust features reduce the complexity of payroll while assuring compliance with federal, state, and local standards. It is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution that includes payroll, HR, and talent management.
Key Features
- Payroll Automation
- Benefits Administration
- HR & Talent Management
- Real-Time Analytics
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10. ADP HR Software
ADP offers comprehensive payroll solutions, tax compliance, and reporting tools that are appropriate for businesses of all sizes. With its broad collection of HR and payroll functions, ADP is a fantastic alternative for organizations who require a dependable and secure payroll solution. It is ideal for enterprises that want comprehensive payroll and HR solutions with sophisticated features.
Key Features
- Payroll management
- Tax compliance automation
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- HR features integration
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11. SurePayroll
SurePayroll is a user-friendly payroll software that provides automatic payroll services and tax filing, making it a good option for small businesses. It specializes in automating payroll computations, tax deductions, and report filing, allowing business owners to focus on other important activities. SurePayroll is excellent for small to medium-sized organizations who want a simple, low-cost payroll management solution.
Key Features
- Automated payroll processing
- Tax filing and compliance management
- Employee self-service portal
- Payroll reminders and alerts
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12. BambooHR Software
BambooHR is an HR software solution that helps small and medium-sized organizations manage employee data, track performance, and streamline HR operations. It offers a comprehensive platform for managing numerous HR operations, such as personnel data, performance management, and time off tracking. BambooHR is ideal for firms seeking an easy-to-use, scalable solution to improve HR productivity and employee engagement.
Key Features
- Employee record management
- Performance tracking
- Time-off tracking
- Employee self-service portal
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Criteria for Good Payroll Software
Choosing the correct payroll software for your organization is critical to ensure that payroll processing runs smoothly and efficiently. The perfect software solution should be able to fit your organization’s specific needs, allowing payroll administrators and employees to easily manage compensation chores. When assessing payroll software, several essential elements should be evaluated to ensure that it is in line with your company’s goals and meets all legal requirements. The following are the key criteria that will influence your decision-making process:
1. Ease of Use
Payroll software should be straightforward and easy to use. A user-friendly interface allows payroll administrators to easily set up and execute payroll without requiring substantial training. Employees should be able to easily access their payslips, examine benefits, and update personal information. The easier the system is to use, the more effective your payroll process will be, freeing up your team to focus on more vital responsibilities.
2. Customization
Every company has different payroll requirements based on its pay structures, perks, and deduction rules. The payroll software you use should be adaptable enough to meet these individual needs. Whether you have different employee pay rates, commission schemes, or bonuses, the software should be easily customizable to suit your company’s specific payroll configuration.
3. Integration Capabilities
Payroll software should work easily with other systems in your company, such as human resource management software, accounting platforms, and time tracking applications. Integration ensures that all data flows easily between multiple software systems, lowering the chance of errors and increasing efficiency. This interconnectedness means that changes made in one system are automatically reflected in others, saving time and increasing accuracy.
4. Compliance Features
Compliance with local tax laws and labor rules is critical for any firm. Payroll software must include capabilities that keep it up to date with the newest regulatory standards. This includes automatic adjustments to tax codes, employee perks, and Social Security contributions. Compliance features can help firms avoid costly penalties and guarantee that payroll is completed properly in accordance with current requirements.
5. Support for Multiple Companies
Payroll software for organizations that operate in several locations or entities should be capable of handling the complexities of managing payroll for multiple enterprises. This includes support for various pay rates, tax calculations, and municipal rules, which may vary by location. A payroll system that can manage many entities assures uniformity while saving time on running separate payroll systems for each location.
6. Security and Data Protection
Payroll data includes sensitive employee information such as salary, tax details, and personal identification. As a result, the security of your payroll software should be a key concern. Ensure that the program provides high-level data protection through encryption, safe access controls, and frequent security updates. Protecting this data not only protects employee privacy, but also helps to avoid potential security breaches that could harm your company’s reputation.
7. Scalability
As your firm expands, so will your payroll requirements. A flexible payroll software solution may expand with your business, accommodating an increased number of employees, new locations, or more complex payroll operations. The software should be adaptable to these changes without requiring a major rebuild, allowing for seamless transitions as your organization grows.
Also Read: 12 Best Financial ERP Software in Singapore 2025
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate payroll software is critical for businesses seeking to optimize payroll procedures, assure compliance, and decrease administrative hassles. The payroll systems listed above provide a variety of capabilities, including tax filing automation, employee self-service portals, and multi-company support. Each software solution is tailored to unique business requirements, whether you need a basic, low-cost solution for a small team or a complete system capable of managing complex payroll operations for a large enterprise.
ScaleOcean offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking an integrated payroll system that connects payroll management with HR, accounting, and other critical business operations. Designed for enterprises that prioritize efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, ScaleOcean ensures seamless workflows across departments. Additionally, a free demo is available, allowing businesses to explore the full range of capabilities and see how it can enhance payroll and HR functions. Contact us today to see how ScaleOcean can help your business grow and improve your payroll management.
FAQ:
1. Which software is mostly used for payroll?
There are numerous payroll software alternatives available, each tailored to a certain purpose. ScaleOcean is a full HRIS system that includes payroll capabilities and might be an excellent fit for your company, effortlessly integrating with HR, accounting, and other critical operations.
2. What is payroll software?
Payroll software automates the management of employee pay, tax deductions, and compliance with local rules. It enables firms to eliminate manual work, improve accuracy, and increase overall efficiency.
3. What is ADP software in payroll?
ADP is a well-known provider of payroll and HR solutions, with a diverse set of features for payroll processing and compliance. However, ADP can be fairly costly for small firms. ScaleOcean payroll software is a more economical, integrated option that includes a wide range of functions to help with payroll and human resource management.
4. What is ERP payroll software?
ERP payroll software incorporates payroll processing into a wider Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which includes HR, accounting, and other company functions. This integrated strategy simplifies operations and improves data consistency across departments.